Samuel Smith Winter Warmer

I have never had figgy pudding. I imagine that it must take very much like this British beer. . . which I realize is a description that’s only helpful to someone who shares my imagination.

This and several others combined for my Winter Mini-Tour at Old Chicago and I got this shirt:

Samuel Smith Imperial Stout

I have always considered Samuel Smith's Taddy Porter to be one of the top five beers in all the world. Suddenly that's all changed. The Imperial Stout makes the Taddy Porter seem almost watery by comparison.

While staying a couple of days with Erik Rottmann he and I did a little educational exercise by trying the Taddy and the Imperial side by side. Wonderful results, but a loss for the Taddy.  The Imperial stout is full of the flavors of hops and roasted grains and malts. By the way, for those who might have made a New Year's resolution about their calorie intake, there are 242 calories in every 12 ounces of this Imperial Stout. Splitting one of these and one Taddy made Erik and me very happy and very full!

Samuel Smith's India Ale

Recently it seems everyone and his brother have been experimenting with producing their version of IPA.  One should expect Samuel Smith's to be an expert on this subject, and one will not be disappointed.  This definitely sets the standard, even providing a written history of this style of beer on their label.

Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale

Having caught the hint that we haven’t had ice cream in a long time, I picked some up while I was out today.  My wife and my visiting mother cooked up a batch of hot fudge and the warm sweet smell filled the house.  With bananas, peanut butter and hot fudge everyone in the family found a combination for a sundae to their liking.  I had a beer and everyone was happy.

And what a beer it was! Luscious head, nutty sweet in the front of the mouth and subtle clean hops in the finish.  This has to be in my top ten favorites and perhaps in the top five.

Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout

Tom is a member of my parish and my good friend. He would not like this beer.  From his perspective it is thick and heavy and a good deal of it hangs on the back of your throat even after you swallow.  From my perspective it is rich and full bodied with a pleasing, warming finish.  But the good thing about Tom is, he’s willing to give his pastor a beer he wouldn’t drink himself.  It’s actually just what I wanted.

Merry Christmas, Tom.

Merry Christmas, one and all.